Both Sides In Strike To Talk With Mediators

Representatives of Yankee Gas Co. and striking maintenance and production workers will sit down with federal and state mediators today for the first time since the walkout started Oct. 21.

Both sides said they hope the renewed talks will break the deadlock in the dispute over wages and benefits. The previous contract between the utility and Locals 420 and 457 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers expired Aug. 1.

Yankee Gas implemented its final offer over union objections Sept. 20. The unions have asked the state to declare the strike a lockout, a step that would entitle strikers to unemployment payments.

The company maintains that the workers have not been locked out and that the terms of the imposed contract are fair.